A Dot and Dash, a Ping and a Flash

The history of naval communication relies heavily on the non-verbal and multi-sensory. Stripes or stars on an officer’s uniform automatically dictated an enlisted man’s actions, flashing lights relayed invaluable information to a landing pilot, and bells signaled between ships through an otherwise impenetrable fog. In this program, students will create a non-traditional form of communication, and in turn practice the basics of coding. They will direct another student through a changeable obstacle course using limited verbal directional cues, bells and whistles, or flashing lights, depending on what challenge they choose. The students will be required to come up with a set of simple instructions or a key to their chosen method of communication. This program allows students elementary age through high school to link the history of naval communication to modern technology.

Grades: 4-8

Disciplines: Math, Science

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